50 things to do before turning 50
On my 49th birthday, June 20, 2017. I challenged myself to do 50 things I had never done before. The 50 had to be completed before my 50th birthday on June 20th, 2018. Below, is my amazing list. This challenge opened my eyes on the array of things I can do. I am blessed. The list is not in any order, I just listed randomly.
It’s quite difficult to add photos so more photos to come
September 2017: Camped at Golden Ears National park. As someone who is not a fan of creepers, crawlers or any bugs in-between, I have had camping on my bucket list for a long time. I was thrilled that my very first camping experience was a success, mostly because the experience was half camping and half glamping. Thanks to dear friends Dana Harvey, Janine Davies, Susan Rae and Sandra Horton.
May 23 to June 2nd 2018: Attended a 10 day silent retreat. This was the hardest thing I have ever done: 10 days of working up at 4:30 and lights out at 9:30, no speaking, no eye contact, no reading, no writing, no phone, no meat, no coffee, 2 meals a day, one at 6:30, 2nd and last meal at 12 noon. At the end of it all, it was the best gift I have ever given myself. One that came in handy for events that life through my way the rest of the year. EQUANIMOUS, is a word I live by now and forever.
Another 50 before 50 item which was also on my bucket list was to author a book. I successfully did so. The publishing was delayed due to my pursuing my otherpassion – politics. Be on the lookout for the book in the 1st quarter of 2019. Amazing content and expert contributions from some powerful players in Canada and US.
Jan 1, 2018: Did the penguin plunge on New Year’s Day – below zero-degree temperature. I used to see this in the news and declare that I will never willingly go into below zero temperature water for the heck of it. Well, I will be doing again on Jan 1, 2019 and most likely for years to come.
June 2018: Meditated for 1 hour without moving at all, not once but many times. When I started Vippassana meditation at the retreat, I could not shut down my mind for 5 seconds, let alone sit still. I am to say that by day 5, I was able to totally shut my mind down and meditate for hours at a time. I have lost the concentration but I am looking forward to getting back in that space in 2019.
I am one to be adventurous when it comes to food but up until this year, I had never tried prunes. Well, I did so in June of 2018. They have not called my name since then so maybe, when I get older I “will” have to make them part of my diet.
Being that I have been away from my birth country for over 60% of my life. I had the desire to reconnect with old friends. I am happy that I connected with my high school best friend Esnat Reuben, my A level best friend Pamela Mutyavaviri and another classmate and friend Patrick Gwasera. It truly feels good to be re-connected.
In years prior, I was always too busy to schedule regular manicures, pedicures, massages and acupuncture. In 2018, I scheduled them just as I schedule meetings. For this busy mind, they created some much-needed downtime.
March 2018: Attended Black Umfolosi at Evergreen Cultural Centre. Evergreen is walking distance from my house. For some reason, I just never paid attention to what was being featured. I look forward to attend more performances especially theatre in the future.
Aug, 2017 – Visited Taj Mahal in India. This was a case whereby you make lemonade out of lemons. I went to India to accompany my Sis during cancer treatments and we made use of the opportunity and did some things that were on our bucket lists. My Sis might be gone but the memory will stay forever.
Dec 2017: Jamaica on my mind. This was our first time on the Caribbean islands and surely won’t be the last. We had a great time.
Dec 2017: Swam with Dolphins. Another bucket list items…. CHECK!!
Dec 2017: Showered under a waterfall – Dunns Falls in Ocho Rios Jamaica. My photographer messed up and the photo of me submerged under the waterfall didn’t come out. Exhilarating experience indeed!
Dec 2017: Danced on a stage with a band in Jamaica. Like they say, dance like nobody is watching, that’s me! Dancing brings joy and it makes my heart smile.
July 2018: Went on the sea to sky Gondola. We now take everyone who visits us there as the views are like no other. We live in a beautiful place. We are truly blessed.
Booked 12 speaking engagements local and outside the province between June 21, 2017 and June 20, 2018. This was a new record. I love being on stage as a story teller, inspirational speaker and as a Facilitator. I have also discovered that I am a good Emcee. Next, I am setting my eyes on international speaking opportunities.
Participated in the Chamber of commerce parade of turkeys. This is not a huge thing but its imperturbable. Having 30+ Individuals parading turkeys is something you don’t see everything. Very creative and fun.
Went for high Tea at the Fairmont hotel with a friend. When your hubby and daughter do not like high tea and you do… you get excited when a friend creates times and comes along for high tea. Celebrate the small things.
August 21, 2017: After meeting Dr Harbeen Arora in her office in Bardapur India and hearing her story, I decided on that day to sell my business Vancouver Tumblebus in order to explore my passion. As soon as I returned from India, I put the intention out and by Nov 1, 2017, I had said goodbye to “my baby” that I worked extremely hard for. This was a hard decision which in hind sight, I am happy I listened to my heart.
Aug 17, 2017: Visited India Gate
Took private swimming class. I don’t think I gained anything from the class. I am any better as I had a 20-year-old instructor who in my opinion had no experience and did not know how to teach an adult who has developed bad habits of not breathing under water. His advice was, just breath… Oh well! Maybe next time.
March 17, 2018 – I was a Judge for Pacific All Canadian Pageants. This pageant is all about teaching kids confidence, I total support that.
May 2018: I was a judge for Better Business Bureau Business awards.
I was a judge for Canadian Immigrant Magazine top 25 for 2018. Being a previous winner, it was nice to be on the other side.
Attended Up close with Michelle Obama with my daughter and we both got interviewed by CBC.
Visited Edmonton for the 1st time, nothing much there, it reminded me of Oklahoma. I can now say I have been there.
I always thought it would be “cool” to get a birthday with in front of thousands in a stadium (just one time). Well, that wish came true. A friend surprised me by wishing me a happy birthday at the Lions game at BC place. The message was on the Jumbo-Tron. Thank you E. You are awesome.
Feb – March 218: Walked everyday for 30 days straight. Thanks to my hubby who walk up super early some days, went out for a walk at 10pm, in the rain and snow. This also gave us some quality time as a couple. Looking forward to doing more walking.
September – November 2017: Did 3 months of vegetarian diet. I started this in India and continued when I got back home. This also made the 10 day retreat easier as it was vegan.
November 2017: Dressed up for Halloween 1st time ever. I previously thought it was silly but I took the guard down and did it.
Facilitated a webinar with participants from 34 different countries.
2017 – 2018: Collaborated with Ruben’s Shoes to send 10 000 pairs of shoes, books and medical equipment to Zimbabwe. This touched so many lives. Many thanks Kelly and Desiree and the Zimbabwe team – Alexio, my beloved late sister Claire, Stella, Elizabeth, Peter, my late uncle Solomon, Hope, Trevor and Ancelum. You are all amazing.
December 2017: Once in a lifetime vacation splurge including ocean side and poolside cabana with private butlers and all. It was my 50th year on this earth, worth celebrating.
Drew a masterpiece during the community painting day. If you know me, you will congratulate me for a job well done Ha! Ha!
Shared my story with Coquitlam Heritage Society for “My Coquitlam My City” which was exhibited at the Library for a few months. Up until recently, Coquitlam had no history of black people in the archives. Like Indian history, black history is passed orally, there are no paper trails. I am looking forward to encouraging more documentation of the minority cultures in our community.
I was honored to be a “Living Library” for 2 hours for the Coquitlam Library.
Contributed to Canada 150 book by Tracy Barry. The untold stories of Canadian Immigrants.
Ate deep fried turkey while camping. Thanks to Susan & Janine
August 19, 2018: Visited Lotus Temple in India. It was amazing to visit well constructed temple.
Took golfing lessons with my daughter.
July 2017: Got to spend the day at sea aboard the HMCS Regina leadership sail. There are no words to express this experience. We have a great Navy that ensures our safely day and night. Learned a lot.
July 2017: Used the firefighters fire hose at full strength at sea. I will never wonder why the firefighters fight with those hoses, I also understand why they look so perfect on the calendars.
Visited Bowen Island for the 1st A little gem among us. I went there for work, would love to go back for pleasure.
July 2017: Held a bullet for the 1st I hope it never gets used.
April 2018: Followed my gut, do not procrastinate. My schedule was crazy early 20 18, but something told me, I needed to invite uncle Solomon and auntie Hope before they headed to Zimbabwe to retire. Uncle wanted to start a technical school to help underprivileged kids and orphans. This would be the last time that I saw him as he just recently passed away. He is instrumental to who I am today as he brought me to North America to pursue my education. I am who I am today because of him. Rest in peace uncle.
Witnessed Whales breaching for a whole 10 minutes
Rode ATV’s in rough terrain and ended on ocean side. Scary at first but exhilarating!
Received the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award. What an honour.
Jan 8, 2018: Received the Canada 150 Sesquicentennial Leadership pin of leadership.
June 20, 2018: Made my big announcement that I was entering the political arena on my 50th This was the ultimate 50th birthday gift for this former aspiring politician. Thank you for your vote Coquitlam. It was the best 50th birthday gift I could ask for.
Life is a journey, one that can be bumpy at times. At the end of the day, its up to us to create the memories we want. My first half century was full of blessings, laughter and warmth. Here is to the next second, minute, hour, day, month, year!
